An Education That Stands Out From The Pack
ABOUT KENNELWOOD ACADEMY
It’s our mission to develop the most sought-after dog trainers in the industry.
That’s why we designed a program that taps into four generations of expert knowledge and experience. Our curriculum supports comprehensive skills that set students up for success in the canine training field.
The Kennelwood Academy program blends hands-on training and real-world applications with traditional seminars and lectures. Students learn industry insights from nationally recognized instructors whose expertise ranges from behavior modifications and protection handling to pet connections and brand building.
A Kennelwood Academy education ensures graduates are well-rounded, versatile and armed with the tools they need to begin building their career the moment they leave campus.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Dave van Garderen
Director of Dog Training Education
Meet Dave
I have been instructing dog training students since 2013 through a nationally recognized dog training school. During that time, I’ve helped hundreds of students achieve professional dog training certifications. My graduates have gone on to work in many fields within the dog training industry, including pet obedience, odor detection, personal and police protection, competitive dog sports and business ownership.
I realized my passion for dog training as a teenager and enrolled in dog training school where I excelled and graduated with honors. After graduation, I travelled to another school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to focus on training aggressive dogs. Before I started instructing future trainers, I worked at Kennelwood Pet Resorts for 12 years training thousands of pets and instructing their owners on proper canine communication and leadership.
In addition to my professional dog training education and career, another passion of mine is dog sport competition. In 2010, I won the Schutzhund National Championship, earning the chance to represent the United States at the World Championship in Germany. I won the Protection Sport Association’s (PSA) “Highest Score of the Year” award in 2011 and 2015 with two different dogs. I’ve also earned multiple first place finishes and “High in Trial” awards for various dog sports including American Kennel Club obedience, Schutzhund and Protection Sports Association. I am honored to have the opportunity to teach the next generation of professional dog trainers.
Jeremy Ciepluch
Instructor
Meet Jeremy
I began my dog training education in 2015 after an honorable discharge from the military. During my years of military service, I was assigned to a helicopter Search and Rescue squadron where I personally conducted dozens of medical evacuation missions. I have since dedicated my personal and professional life to helping and educating others.
Upon my return, I felt called to help military veterans who suffer from PTSD and other service-related disabilities. That led me to study service dog training as well as how to cultivate the human-canine bond. After graduating at the top of my class, I went on to serve as Lead Trainer for the facility and eventually was promoted to Instructor.
I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a life-long educator and learner, striving to instill a similar desire in all the students I have the pleasure of teaching. Not only do I love teaching and helping people understand dog behavior, but I have my passion for competitive protection sports. I am a certified Protection Sports Association decoy and happily donate countless hours of training with local police departments. I look forward to helping each student be successful in the industry I love.
Matt Koch
Instructor
Meet Matt
Matt is the Training Director for Kennelwood Pet Resorts’ eight locations. He has been a professional dog trainer for Kennelwood since 2001. During Matt’s tenure with Kennelwood, he successfully developed and implemented dog training programs at numerous Kennelwood locations. Matt has mastered the art of cultivating relationships with veterinarians, pet professionals and clients. Matt continues to find new ways of communicating concepts to clients in a manner that is easy to understand and implement with their pets.
Matt has fostered and trained more than 60 rescue dogs throughout his professional career, and has volunteered to help rehabilitate hundreds of rescue dogs with behavioral problems. In addition to his extensive pet training experience, Matt has competed extensively in Flyball with his dogs, and has earned multiple titles in Flyball including FD, FDX, FDCH, FM.
Megan Hamby
Instructor
Meet Megan
Megan is a 2011 graduate from a highly regarded professional dog training school. Joining the Kennelwood training team in 2014, she has since collaborated with trainers both nationally and internationally. Her expertise shines in the competitive dog training world, where she has consistently achieved remarkable accolades.
Megan and her Belgian Malinois, Felony, have earned 13 first-place wins across four different dog sports. Notable accomplishments include being a five-time PSA (Protection Sports Association) Regional Champion and PSA Level 1 National Champion in 2012, as well as the Level 2 National Vice Champion in 2013. In 2017, Megan and Feloyn became the 17th team in PSA history to earn the prestigious PSA 3 title.
She has received numerous High in Obedience and High in Protection awards, along with several Highest Score of the Year awards. Currently, Megan is focused on competing with her dog Oui, aiming to replicate her past successes.
Leveraging her extensive experience and deep knowledge of competitive obedience and protection training, Megan is dedicated to helping families build stronger relationships with their pets. She provides expert guidance on understanding dog behavior and training, empowering owners to foster better connections with their canine companions.
The Kennelwood connection
Kennelwood Pet Resorts has partnered with nationally recognized instructors and training experts to create the ultimate independent training institution, Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers.
Kennelwood Pet Resorts has been a leader in the pet care industry for more than 50 years. Growing from a full-service boarding facility, it was one of the first to offer dog training services. Now, the Kennelwood brand is using those years of experience and industry knowledge to offer an advanced training program for aspiring dog trainers.